Because it's a fantastic game and JJP didn't make enough of them to meet the demand once enough pinheads became aware of this.

Pure and simple.

Ay yi yi

JJP quit production because they felt it wasn't selling well enough - in large part to the undeserved condemnation of the overall game after the triple ring spinning disk and opening chest (which is now available again as a mod) features were removed.

Doesn't change the fact that it's still a fantastic game.

Yep - this has been covered in countless Pinside posts and threads, but all games are typically more enjoyable in a home environment. And even more so with JJP games it seems.

I have owned 5 JJP games, played them all on route as well, and found gameplay enjoyment (due to set up preferences, condition, quieter environment, etc.) on each to be drastically better at home. Consequently, anyone who is judging JJP POTC based on limited route play has likely not experienced it at its best.

That said, "haters are gonna hate" and no game is for everyone. I happen to love the game and it's a favorite in my collection. If I didn't, I would have sold it for $20K+ a long time ago.

POTC has one of my favorite, smoothest - most satisfying (and variable) shots in pinball: drilling a ball into the open chest with a hard slapshot from the right flipper -OR- finessing it into the chest (past the upper Bayou flipper with just enough power) with a backhand from the left flipper.

The chest lid then closing in acknowledgement afterwards is tasty icing on the cake!